University of Rhode Island Guitar Festival & Competition takes place in Kingston, RI, USA. It is held every year, usually in October.

Location: Kingston, RI, USA
Type: Competition
Event dates: 24 October 2026 – 25 October 2026
Application deadline: Video Submission deadline is July 15, 2026 (Young Artist Division) / October 1, 2026 (High School Division)
Frequency: annual
Eligibility / age: Young Artists Division; High School Division
Entry fee: $75 for Young Artist Division; $75 for High School Division
Venue: URI Fine Arts Center, Concert Hall

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Official website

https://www.urigmfest.org/

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Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Kingston

The University of Rhode Island Guitar Festival & Competition offers a focused classical guitar experience in the scenic setting of Kingston, Rhode Island. This annual event draws guitarists and enthusiasts to the university campus, providing a chance to hear emerging talent and immerse oneself in the instrument's repertoire within the charming landscape of coastal New England.

Getting there

The most convenient airport for Kingston, Rhode Island, is T.F. Green Airport (PVD) in Warwick, about a 30-minute drive away. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) provides more flight options but is further, requiring an approximate 90-minute to two-hour drive. Given Rhode Island's compact size and limited public transport beyond major cities, renting a car is highly recommended for ease of travel to Kingston and for exploring the surrounding area. The drive from either airport offers views of New England's characteristic blend of historic towns and coastal scenery.

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USA uses Type A/B sockets, so pack a travel adapter for your tuner and chargers.

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Where to stay

Kingston, a village within South Kingstown, offers a tranquil base for the festival. Accommodation options in Kingston itself may include local inns and bed and breakfasts, reflecting the area's historic character. For a wider selection, consider staying in the nearby coastal town of Narragansett, which provides hotels and guesthouses with easy access to beaches and the ocean, typically a short drive from the university campus. Booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak seasons or event dates.

What you'll hear

The University of Rhode Island Guitar Festival & Competition brings together a community of classical guitarists for performances, masterclasses, and competitive rounds. Audiences can expect to hear a diverse program ranging from foundational Baroque and Classical works to contemporary compositions, performed by emerging artists vying for recognition. The competition rounds are a core attraction, showcasing technical mastery and musical interpretation across a broad spectrum of the classical guitar repertoire.

While Kingston itself does not boast a direct link to a famous classical composer, the festival's setting within a university provides a vibrant academic and artistic environment. Rhode Island's rich cultural history, particularly in areas like Newport and Providence, has fostered various artistic pursuits, and the university serves as a hub for musical education and performance, contributing to New England's broader artistic landscape. The festival, therefore, represents a contemporary expression of this enduring regional commitment to the arts, offering a chance to engage with musical scholarship and performance in a picturesque academic locale.

The local table

Rhode Island's culinary scene leans heavily on its coastal location, with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood. Be sure to try local specialties such as 'stuffies,' which are baked quahog clams often seasoned with breadcrumbs and spices, or the classic Rhode Island clam cakes, savory fried fritters packed with chopped clams. New England clam chowder is a staple, typically served creamy and white. For a unique local beverage, sample coffee milk, the state's official drink, made with coffee syrup and milk. Johnnycakes, thin cornmeal pancakes, are another regional breakfast or side dish worth seeking out.

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While you're there

Beyond the festival, Rhode Island offers a wealth of attractions. A short drive (around 30-40 minutes) brings you to Newport, famous for its Gilded Age mansions like The Breakers and Marble House, the scenic Cliff Walk, and its rich sailing history. Closer to Kingston, the town of Narragansett features beautiful beaches, including Narragansett Town Beach, and the historic Point Judith Lighthouse. From Point Judith, you can take a ferry for a day trip to Block Island, a charming destination known for its unspoiled natural beauty, dramatic cliffs, and opportunities for biking and hiking. The state capital, Providence, about 40 minutes north, is home to historic College Hill, Brown University, the Rhode Island School of Design, and a vibrant culinary and arts scene, including the seasonal WaterFire art installation along its rivers.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Kingston →

Need a place to stay?

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This map centers on Kingston in general, so the venue may be elsewhere in town. Check the competition's official website before booking.

More guitar events in USA: Appalachian GuitarFest and Competition · Austin Classical Guitar Composition Competition · Boston GuitarFest Academy Competition · Brevard Classical Guitar Institute · Denver Guitar Festival - Tuason Competition · ECU Guitar Festival and Workshop

Also in October: Asia International Guitar Festival & Competition · Concurso Liliana Pérez Corey · GuitarFestival Changsha China · Hanse Guitar Cup · Plovdiv GuitArt Festival & Competition · Seville Guitar Festival

Listing data is compiled from official sources and can change each edition. Always confirm dates, deadlines and requirements on the organizer's official website before applying or booking travel. Spotted an error? See our terms or let us know via the About page.

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